2134/4730
M. Teodorescu
M.
Teodorescu
Sashi Balakrishnan
Sashi
Balakrishnan
Homer Rahnejat
Homer
Rahnejat
Physics of ultra-thin surface films on molecularly smooth surfaces
Loughborough University
2009
Hydrodynamics
Solvation force
Van der waals force
Ultra-thin fluid films
Subsurface stress tensor
Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified
2009-05-26 13:49:50
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Physics_of_ultra-thin_surface_films_on_molecularly_smooth_surfaces/9566546
This paper investigates the physics of ultra-thin surface films in nano-scale counterformal conjunctions. A novel approach is proposed in which the transient behaviour of the fluid film is integrated with the contact mechanics of the approaching bodies. The method predicts film thickness and pressure distribution, as well as local elastic deflection and resulting sub-surface stress tensor. It is found that inertial dynamics of bodies, as determined by local squeeze film effect, prevents diminution of film below certain thickness and reduces the solvation effect. This approach has direct applications for micro-scale mechanisms, where prediction of thin surface adhered film thickness is required for tribological purposes, as well as structural in-service integrity of contacts of vanishing dimensions.